The two exchanged a glance, deciding to first find Master Tongwu to chat. He might have a clearer understanding of the situation. Xu Qian stepped forward and untied the ropes binding him.
The young monk's first action was to grab an apple from his leg and take a bite.
A sweetness that permeated his very soul filled his mouth.
He was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. Two years!
After one bite, he hid the two apples in a cabinet, locking it with a key.
Seeing his ravenous hunger, Xu Qian took out a few more peaches and pears from her space and gave them to him.
After all, he had helped them.
The young monk, with tears in his eyes, accepted them and thanked them with a choked voice.
Xu Qian suppressed a smile and asked, "Where is Master Tongwu?"
"I'll take you to him!"
Ever since Xu Qian gave him a pile of fruit, his attitude had changed 180 degrees, and a smile hadn't left his face.
The young monk ran to the door and instinctively pulled it open, smiling, "My name is Qiu Chan, what are your names?"
Unexpectedly, as soon as the door opened, a tall figure stood behind it.
"Qiu Chan."
Qiu Chan stiffened all over, his eyes pleadingly looking at them.
Master Tongwu was dressed in a simple yellow monk's robe and black cloth shoes.
He held a string of prayer beads, and the fingers holding them were slender and fair, with distinct, rounded nails.
A skilled hand.
His appearance… A master's demeanor was not to be desecrated.
Xu Qian glanced away, steadied herself, and then looked back.
She raised her eyes to meet his amber gaze, her expression solemn as she said, "Master Tongwu, may we have a word."
Master Tongwu showed no surprise even when seeing strangers. Instead, he bowed slightly, "Benefactor, please come in."
The four of them entered a larger meditation room. The room was made of wood. In the center, upon opening the door, sat a small, low bamboo table and four meditation cushions.
"Please."
The four sat down cross-legged.
Qiu Chan nervously stared at his master and whispered, "Master…"
"Hush."
Qiu Chan obediently closed his mouth.
Xu Qian's brow twitched slightly. That voice… hadn't she overheard it earlier?
"Benefactors, what do you wish to ask?"
His clear eyes met hers. There was purity in his gaze, devoid of any emotion.
Yet, it made one's heart tremble.
Xu Qian couldn't help but wonder.
Why would someone like him become a monk?
Her expression remained unchanged, and she calmly asked, "Master Tongwu, I'll be direct. We want to know where the laboratory is."
Tongwu pursed his lips and after a while replied, "Benefactors, we have signed an agreement with him and are not to interfere."
Xu Qian let out a cold laugh. "Master Tongwu, do you know what they are researching?"
Tongwu looked somewhat confused. He genuinely didn't know, nor did he care.
"They are researching zombies and mutated beasts, and intend to wreak havoc on the outside world."
Tongwu's pupils contracted sharply. This was the first time Xu Qian had seen any emotion on his face.
"Benefactor, are you saying the zombies outside were created by them?"
"Yes."
Tongwu's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "How do you intend to deal with this?"
Xu Qian's eyes were cold and clear. Even with a mask on, she exuded an icy aura.
"We are here specifically to destroy the laboratory, and that is our purpose this time."
Her voice was light and chilling, as if what she described were plain facts.
Tongwu pondered for a moment, then asked, "If it is destroyed, will it affect the temple?"
Xu Qian did not lie and answered truthfully, "It depends on their location. If they are close, it might."
Tongwu fiddled with his prayer beads before asking, "Benefactors, do you have concrete evidence?"